Chicago Lake Campsites
There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
There are primitive toilets available at site 2 and between sites 3 and 4.
There is NO drinking water.
Lake Name: Chicago Lake
Number of Sites: 4
Maximum Number of People Per Site: Site 1 (8), Sites 2-4 (16)
Toilets: Yes
Boat Access: Back - In
Lake Size (acres): 188
Need to Know
- Pack-In, Pack-out policy
- There is a 14-day stay limit.
- No drinking water provided.
- Campsite must be occupied the first night.
Campsite cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
- You are welcome to collect firewood from the area surrounding your campsite. Just remember that any firewood that you collect must be DEAD AND DOWN
- Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
Natural Features
Chicago Lake (188 acres) hosts four campsites and an improved boat launch, all clustered around its north end.
- Site #1 is a small site in a heavily wooded area and offers lots of privacy from adjacent sites and campers. It measures 20 ft. x 15 ft and is suitable for one family only. The access road is poor and 4 wheel drive vehicles and tents are recommended.
- Site #2 is a larger site in an open area, measuring 55 ft. by 45 ft. It can accommodate 2 families and trailers. There is a primitive toilet at this site.
- Site #3 is a larger site surrounded by tall pines and is near the lakeshore. It measures 60 ft. by 50 ft. and is suitable for two families. However, trailer access is difficult because of limited turning area.
- Site #4 is a semi-open area that measures 55 ft. by 50 ft. It can accommodate two families and trailers. A primitive toilet is shared with site #4.
There is a boat launch located adjacent to site #4 and features an improved gravel ramp for accessing Chicago Lake.
Nearby Attractions
There are a number of horse, bike, and hiking trails within minutes of several of the sites. In over a mile from these campsites, visitors can expect to find: bait shops, general and grocery stores, gas, a pay phone, trailheads, a fishing pier, biking, and kayak/canoe rentals.
Groceries, gasoline, fishing and camping supplies, ice and deli are available seven miles Northeast on County Road 437 in the Thunder Lake Area.
Recreation
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters.
Swimming conditions vary by site.
- Conditions are the best at sites 3 and 4.
- Conditions at site 2 are considered fair.
- Conditions at site 1 are conisdered poor.
The road leading to sites 3 and 4 are shared by anglers using the public boat launch into Chicago Lake. This boat launch is located adjacent to Site 4 and features an improved gravel ramp for accessing the abundant population of northern pike and bluegills. Largemouth bass and perch are present in smaller quanities.
Contact Information
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RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT 8181 US HWY 2 Rapid River MI 49878
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 906-474-6442 OR 906-387-2512
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From the Intersection of US-2 and Forest Highway 13 (about 14 miles east of Rapid River or 22 miles west of Manistique): drive north 8.4 miles on Highway 13 to CR 442.
- Turn right (east) and drive 5 miles to County Road N-3.
- Turn left (north) on N-3 and drive 0.1 mile to FR 2422 turning left (northwest) on to 2422 and continuing about 0.25 mile to the campsites.
Available Campsites
- Site 001, Loop CHICAGO LAKE DISPERSED CAMPSITE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop CHICAGO LAKE CAMPSITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop CHICAGO LAKE CAMPSITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop CHICAGO LAKE CAMPSITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
